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Pros praise struggling Japanese Ishikawa

(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-06-16 08:11

Japan's teenage star Ryo Ishikawa might be playing down his own chances at the US Open, but others are not so sure.

The 19-year-old who exploded on to the scene in 2007 when he won a pro tournament in Japan at the age of 15 has endured a tough past few weeks.

The softly-spoken Ishikawa says he hopes to avoid being "beaten up" in Bethesda at what is generally regarded as the major that provides the sternest all-round test for the top golfers.

The new world No 1, Luke Donald of England, insists he will still be a force to be reckoned with.

"Ryo is a great talent. And at such an early age he's had a tremendous amount of success, more success in Japan. But he's played solidly over here, as well, when he's played," Donald said. "As many times as he's won in Japan, that creates a lot of confidence in your player. There's no reason why he can't bring that to the biggest stage of the PGA Tour and the major championships.

"It wouldn't surprise me if he broke through."

In agreement is Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy, who was in a similar position to Ishikawa three years ago when he first started making an impression on the pro stage.

"I've known Ryo three years," he said. "I've played a little bit with him. He's a great player. He's still very, very young."

AFP